STATEMENT 


SHOWING  THE  URGENT  NECESSITY  OF  ESTABLISHING  A 


Christian  Medical  School,  Hospital, 


AND 

Training  School  for  Nurses  in  Japan. 


PREPARED  BY 

JOHN  D., 

MEDICAL  MISSIONARY  IN  JAPAN. 


PRINTED  FOR  PRIVATE  CIRCULATION  BY  ORDER  OF  THE  PROVISIONAL 
COMMITTEE  IN  PHILADELPHIA. 


PHILADELPHIA, 

1884. 


STATEMENT 


SHOWING  THE  URGENT  NECESSITY  OF  ESTABLISHING  A 


Christian  Medical  School,  Hospital,  and  Training 
School  for  Nurses  in  Japan. 


N the  3d  of  May,  1883,  the  members  of  a company  of 


Japanese  gentlemen,  known  as  the  Doshislia,  with  Rev- 
erend Joseph  H.  Neesima  at  its  head,  and  formed,  in  accordance 
with  the  requirements  of  Japanese  law,  for  the  promotion  of 
higher  education  in  Japan,  met  at  Kiyoto,  and,  after  conference 
with  the  pastors  and  delegates  of  fourteen  of  the  churches  of 
Central  Japan  who  had  convened  for  the  purpose,  addressed 
a memorial  to  me  and  through  me  to  the  Christian  philan- 
thropists of  Great  Britain  and  America,  asking  for  co-opera- 
in  the  establishment  of  a Christian  Medical  School  and 
Training  School  for  Nurses  in  Japan. 

The  proposition  of  the  memoralists  was  to  the  effect  that, 
if  an  endowment  fund  for  the  support  of  the  necessary  pro- 
fessors, and  for  the  purchase  of  needed  apparatus,  could  be 
furnished  by  friends  abroad,  they,  on  their  part,  would  guar- 
antee to  provide  as  rapidly  as  in  their  power  all  the  necessary 
real  estate  and  buildings  required  for  dormitories,  lecture 
rooms,  and  hospital. 

On  receiving  this  memorial,  and  adding  my  reasons  for 
favoring  its  proposals,  it  was  sent  out  to  all  the  missionary 
bodies  laboring  in  Japan  for  their  consideration.  Replies 


4 


were  received  endorsing  the  movement  as  timely  and  calcu- 
lated to  meet  a national  want  in  the  social  and  moral  regener- 
ation of  the  empire,  and  heartily  commending  it  to  the  gener- 
ous support  of  their  constituencies.* 

When  about  returning  to  this  country  numerous  requests 
were  received  from  foreign  residents  and  Japanese  friends  to 
the  effect  that  during  my  stay  in  the  home-land  somethi  ng 
might  be  done  for  the  enterprise.  The  warm  interest  here  in 
all  that  pertains  to  the  welfare  of  Japan,  and  the  manifest 
desire  on  the  part  of  her  friends  in  America  to  aid  her  in  her 
struggles  for  advance  toward  a higher  and  purer  civilization, 
encourages  the  hope  that  she  will  not  appeal  in  vain.  Her 
condition  at  present  is  certainly  critical,  and  requires  all  the 
help  that  Christian  England  and  America  can  afford  ; while 
her  relation  to  great  reforms  in  China  and  Corea,  and  indeed 
all  Asia,  is  peculiar.  In  fact,  there  seldom  occurs  a time  in 
the  history  of  a nation  when  such  far-reaching  results  would 
accrue  to  the  interests  of  religion,  of  science,  and  of  human- 
ity, by  means  so  small,  as  at  present  in  Japan  by  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  institutions  proposed. 

Before  embarking  for  this  country  I conferred  with  promi- 
nent members  of  the  government  as  to  how  such  an  institu- 
tion would  be  regarded,  and  received  from  them  the  assurance 
that,  should  friends  in  the  United  States  express  their  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  Japan  in  the  manner  proposed,  the  Mikado’s 
government,  far  from  taking  umbrage  at  such  a step,  would 
doubtless  take  pleasure  in  showing  its  appreciation  of  such 
kindness  by  granting  the  institution  every  possible  favor. 

Whether  viewed,  then,  by  the  Christians  of  Japan,  who 
know  the  wants  of  Protestant  communities  there,  or  by 
thoughtful  Japanese,  who  are  taking  a prominent  part  in  the 
nations  progress  from  heathenism  to  a purer  civilization  ; by 
old  missionaries  of  every  denomination,  who,  by  their  long 
residence  among  the  people,  know  well  the  needs  of  the 
country,  or  by  mission  boards  in  this  country,  who,  in  their 
wide  survey,  know  the  conditions  and  especial  needs  of  the 

* For  some  of  these  letters,  as  well  as  those  of  missionary  boards  con- 
ducting work  in  Japan,  see  close  of  this  statement. 


5 


nations  of  the  world — all  agree  in  regarding  the  establish- 
ment of  a Christian  medical  school  in  Japan  as  of  the 
greatest  importance  to  her  welfare,  providing  the  institution 
is  of  such  a character  and  on  such  a scale  as  shall  enable  it 
to  meet  the  exigencies  of  the  time. 

The  government  requirements  of  a medical  school  in  order 
to  its  right  to  issue  diplomas  are  (i)  that  it  shall  have  three 
regularly  educated  physicians  as  instructors;  and  (2)  a hos- 
pital where  clinical  teaching  can  be  afforded.  These  provis- 
ions, at  least,  must  be  met — and  more  than  this  should  be 
done.  Indeed,  a school  that  is  to  exert  a national  power  such 
as  is  required  in  Japan  to-day  should  have  at  least  four  for- 
eign and  three  native  professors,  thoroughly  qualified  for  their 
work.  Fortunately  we  have  in  a young  man  who  a few  years 
since  graduated  with  honor  at  Jefferson  Medical  College  one 
who  is  ready  and  qualified  for  such  work  ; and  another  who 
is  in  hearty  sympathy  with  the  movement,  and  who  has  re- 
cently come  to  this  county,  will  soon  enter  the  Medical  De- 
partment of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  It  is  to  be  hoped 
that  a third  may  be  found,  or  early  raised  up,  in  Japan. 

Estimate  for  the  Support  of  Professors. 

For  the  support  of  these  three  men  a yearly  income  will  be 
required  of  about  $2400;  and  for  the  support  of  each  of  the 
four  foreign  professors,  the  following  is  an  approximate  esti- 
mate : — 


Salary  for  one  American  professor,  with  family,  . . $1,600  00 
Health  and  medical  allowance  (to  be  granted  if  re- 
quired),   160  00 

Allowance  for  keeping  house  in  repair, 50  00 

Accumulating  margin  to  allow  of  visit  to  the  United 
States  for  health  or  study,  once  in  about  eight 
years, 250  00 


Yearly  total, $2,000  00 


6 


For  this  amount,  estimating  an  income  of  five  per  cent., 

there  will  be  required  a principal  of $40,000  00 

To  this  should  be  added: 

For  the  building  of  a house  and  purchase  of 


house-lot, * 3,500  00 

Passage  money, 800  00 

General  outfit 650  OO 


Personal  medical  outfit  (no  general  surgical  outfit 
needed,  as  hospital  will  be  provided  with  ne- 
cessary instruments  and  medicine),  ....  50  OO 

Total  needed  for  permanent  endowment  of 

one  professorship, $45,000  00 

As  has  before  been  intimated  it  is  proposed  to  provide  only 
for  the  support  of  these  teachers,  foreign  and  native,  and  for 
the  purchase  of  needed  apparatus  in  this  country — such  en- 
dowment fund  to  be  under  the  care  of  a board  of  trustees,  duly 
incorporated;  while  all  the  real  estate  and  buildings  are  to  be 
provided  by  the  Christians  of  Japan  and  their  friends, and  sub- 
sequently held  in  trust  by  the  Dos/iis/ia  Company  of  Kiyoto. 
No  embarrassment,  therefore,  can  ever  arise  from  the  control 
or  ownership  of  the  property;  while  in  the  immediate  relation 
sustained  to  the  school  through  its  professors,  the  board  of 
trustees  in  this  country  will  ever  have  it  in  their  power  to  ex- 
ert a strong  influence  in  maintaining  the  high  moral  and 
scientific  character  of  the  college. 

SPECIAL  REASONS  FOR  THE  ESTABLISHMENT 
OF  THESE  INSTITUTIONS. 

I.  Medical  School. 

1.  The  appreciation  of  western  medical  science  and 

THE  WIDESPREAD  DEMAND  FOR  EDUCATED  PHYSICIANS. — In  all 
the  changes  for  good  that  have  taken  place  with  such  start- 
ling rapidity  in  Japan  during  recent  years,  in  none  has  reform 
been  more  marked  than  in  medicine.  At  present  the  old 


7 


Chinese  system  is  abandoned  and  a large  proportion  of  the 
young  men  of  the  land  are  ambitious  to  acquire  a knowledge 
of  western  medicine.  The  present  is  the  era  of  medical  edu- 
cation in  Japan. 

2.  The  absence  of  any  provision  by  which  a student 

CAN  ACQUIRE  a MEDICAL  TRAINING  UNDER  WHOLESOME  MORAL 

influences. — German  skepticism  has  found  fertile  soil  among 
medical  students  at  the  Tokiyo  University,  and  the  strong  tide 
of  materialism  now  sweeping  over  the  land  gains  new  force 
from  men  who  have  been  educated  there  and  at  the  provincial 
schools.  In  fact,  nowhere  in  Japan  is  there  provision  for  the 
medical  training  of  young  men  without  their  becoming  im- 
bued with  a strange  mixture  of  heathenism,  modern  skepti- 
cism and  infidelity. 

3.  The  DEMAND,  THEREFORE,  FOR  A MEDICAL  SCHOOL  UNDER 

Christian  auspices  is  widespread  and  urgent  among  the 
Protestant  communities  ; and  this  demand  is  emphasized  by 
their  strong  desire  for  well  educated  Christian  physicians  to 
co-operate  with  them  in  the  conduct  and  support  of  those 
organized  charities  so  common  to  all  Christian  communities. 

4.  Its  need  for  the  development  of  medical  science  in 
Japan. — Heretofore  German  influence  has  prevailed  in  medical 
education,  and  at  present  it  is  largely  in  the  hands  of  Japanese 
who  have  been  thus'educated.  The  exclusive  views  of  the  Ger- 
man teacher  have  become  intensified  in  the  Japanese  pupil,  so 
that  these  young  men  seem  to  regard  the  realm  of  medical 
science  as  bound  up  in  German  medical  literature — they  them- 
selves being  the  only  reliable  medium  for  its  expression  in  Japan. 
The  influence  of  a school  representing  the  advanced  medical 
science  of  England  and  America,  and  impressing  upon  its  pu- 
pils the  true  and  liberal  idea  that  science  belongs  exclusively 
to  no  country  or  race,  but  has  the  entire  world  for  her  domain, 
would  be  potent  in  developing  and  liberalizing  the  medical  edu- 
cation of  the  land.  The  importance  of  this  was  appreciated 
by  prominent  members  of  the  government  a few  years  since, 
when  a medical  school  was  started  at  Osaka  under  English 
direction.  Owing  to  an  embarrassed  national  exchequer 
arising  from  the  rebellion  of  1876,  however,  the  school  was 


8 


abandoned — to  the  great  disappointment,  I may  add,  of  many 
who  had  prepared  themselves  for  an  English  course  in  medi- 
cine. 

5.  It  is  a native  enterprise,  and  will  receive  the 
hearty  support  of  the  people. — Already  the  proposition  of 
the  Doshislia  to  establish  such  a work  has  called  forth  numer- 
ous expressions  of  approval  and,  in  some  cases,  promises  of 
substantial  aid.  As  yet,  however,  the  Christians  include  so 
few  men  of  wealth,  and  the  non-Christian  public  realize  so 
little  the  need  of  a medical  school  under  Christian  auspices, 
that  native  aid  must  be  largely  supplemented  by  assistance 
from  abroad. 

6.  The  establishment  of  the  proposed  medical  school 

WILL  BE  IN  HARMONY  WITH  THE  DESIGN  OF  THE  FOUNDERS  OF 
THE  NUMEROUS  MISSION  SCHOOLS  THROUGHOUT  THE  LAND,  VIZ., 
THE  PROMOTION  OF  HIGHER  EDUCATION  UNDER  CHRISTIAN  AUS- 
PICES. 

The  Japanese  people  appreciate  the  value  of  medical  knowl- 
edge as  they  do  no  other  branch  of  higher  learning,  and  the 
influence  of  the  college  in  recommending  to  the  public  Chris- 
tian educational  work  in  general,  will  be  considerable.  This 
medical  department,  too,  will  be  a centre  nourished  by  all 
these  Christian  schools,  and  the  practical  object  which  will 
thus  be  afforded  to  the  learning  acquired  in  them  will  con- 
tribute directly  to  their  success  ; while  by  the  requisition  that 
the  matriculates  of  the  former  shall  possess  acquirements  equal 
to  the  graduates  of  the  latter,  young  men  outside  of  Protestant 
communities,  desiring  to  study  medicine,  will  be  influenced  to 
enter  mission  schools  for  preparatory  study,  thus  bringing 
them  for  three  to  five  years  under  a strong  Christian  influence. 

The  hospital,  too,  in  so  large  and  populous  a centre,  will  be 
of  benefit  to  the  interests  of  humanity,  while  its  wards  for 
women  will  afford  opportunity  for  practical  instruction  to  the 
student  of  the  proposed  Training  School  for  Nurses. 

7.  The  aid  resulting  to  Christian  work. 

The  benefits  that  would  arise  from  the  co-operation  of  in- 
telligent Christian  physicians,  are  appreciated  and  loudly  called 
for  by  the  pastors  and  evangelists  throughout  the  broad  field  ; 


9 


and  the  ultimate  success  of  the  institution  will  be  further  in- 
sured by  their  own  and  their  people’s  hearty  co-operation  in 
its  behalf.  The  history  and  results  of  Christian  endeavor  in 
every  age  have  shown  that  men  are  easily  reached  and  in- 
fluenced for  good  by  those  instrumental  in  relieving  them 
when  suffering  disease.  The  timely  word  of  physician  and 
nurse  has  ever  been  potent  in  every  land  in  bringing  such  to 
Christ,  and  the  Christian  physician  of  tact  and  devotion  has 
ever  been,  and  still  is,  numbered  among  the  most  influential 
auxiliaries  which  the  Christian  pastor  or  missionary  has  in  his 
work.  Our  blessed  Saviour,  in  devoting  so  large  a propor- 
tion of  his  time  on  earth  to  the  relief  of  the  sick,  and  in  then 
committing  the  gift  of  healing  to  the  early  disciples,  gave  an 
example  for  the  conduct  of  Christian  work  in  all  lands;  and 
the  education  of  Christian  native  physicians  would  be  but 
another  step  in  furthering  this  department  of  work  in  Japan, 
to  the  efficiency  of  which  the  experience  of  Christian  missions 
in  that  country  bears  striking  testimony. 

II.  Training  School  for  Nurses. 

1.  Its  need. — In  view  of  the  appreciation  of  the  value  of 
trained  nurses  in  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  and  the 
appalling  ignorance  that  prevails  among  all  classes  in  Japan 
as  to  the  proper  care  of  the  sick,  nothing  need  be  said  in  favor 
of  the  establishment  of  such  an  institution  other  than  the 
simple  statement  that,  as  yet,  nothing  has  been  done  in  this 
line  of  work.  If  the  demand  for  educated  Christian  physi- 
cians in  Japan  is  strong,  that  for  educated  nurses  is  stronger. 
Native  and  foreign  physicians  alike  find  themselves  embar- 
rassed by  the  absence  of  intelligence  in  the  sick  room,  and 
not  infrequently  life  itself  it  jeopardized  by  thoughtless 
officiousness  or  the  temerity  of  ignorance. 

2.  Its  aid  to  Christian  work. — Though  ready  to  educate 
nurses  who  shall  be  at  liberty  to  engage  in  hospital  or  private 
work  as  opportunity  may  offer,  the  primary  object  of  the 
school  will  be  to  train  Christian  women  who  shall,  in  the 
larger  cities  where  Christian  work  is  being  done  and  under 


IO 


competent  management,  engage  (i)  in  district  work  among 
the  sick,  co-operating,  as  far  as  possible,  with  the  native 
physicians  ; and  (2)  as  Bible  nurses  in  imparting  a knowledge 
of  the  truth  and  the  consolations  of  the  Christian  religion  to 
all  with  whom  their  labors  bring  them  in  contact. 

In  this  connection  a resolution,  unanimously  adopted  by  the 
General  Missionary  Conference  held  last  year  at  Osaka,  may 
be  quoted:  “In  the  opinion  of  this  conference  there  is  an 

opening  for  the  operations  of  competent  and  devoted  Chris- 
tian ladies  in  the  training  of  Japanese  women  as  nurses  for 
the  sick,  whether  in  hospitals  or  elsewhere,  there  being  many 
points  in  the  Japanese  character  well  suited  to  such  work,  but 
no  knowledge  whatever  at  present  as  to  how  to  make  use  of 
them  ; and  the  provisions  of  such  training  being  calculated  to 
give  a stimulating  impulse  to  the  influence  and  effect  of  medi- 
cal missions  in  this  country.” 

In  view,  therefore,  of  the  foregoing  considerations,  and  the 
conviction  that  the  earliest  and  fullest  development  of  a Chris- 
tian civilization  in  the  Orient  requires  a native  agency  fully 
equipped  for  all  the  departments  of  higher  work  which  have 
been  helpful  in  Western  lands,  can  it  be  doubted  that  the  time 
has  come  for  the  inauguration  of  an  institution  such  as  is  here 
contemplated?  While  earnestly  recommending,  therefore,  its 
claims  to  the  favor  of  Christian  philanthropists,  yet  as  a mem- 
ber of  that  great  and  noble  brotherhood  who  have  ever  been 
alive  to  the  wants  of  humanity  and  to  the  claims  of  science, 
I especially  appeal  to  the  members  of  the  medical,  dental,  and 
pharmaceutical  professions,  to  aid  with  men  and  means  in  es- 
tablishing an  Independent  Christian  Medical  School  in  Japan, 
with  its  chair  of  practical  dentistry  and  its  training  school  for 
nurses,  such  as  shall  exert  a national  power,  meet  the  exigen- 
cies of  the  time,  and  constitute  one  more  potent  factor  in  the 
social  and  moral  regeneration  of  Asia. 

Philadelphia,  May  19th,  1884. 


COMMENDATORY  LETTERS. 


13 


American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions. 

Congregational  House,  i Somerset  Street, 

Boston,  May  9th,  1884. 

J.  C.  Berry , M.  I).,  Philadelphia , 

Dear  Dr.  Berry  : — Our  Prudential  Committee  were  very 
much  interested  in  the  representations  which  you  made  on 
Tuesday  last,  and  in  the  various  papers  that  have  been  re- 
ceived from  Japan  relative  to  the  proposed  medical  institution. 
It  is  felt  by  all  that  the  circumstances  of  Japan  are  wholly 
exceptional.  There  is  an  awakening  of  the  Japanese  mind  to 
the  value  of  those  institutions  which  have  done  so  much  to 
promote  the  best  interests  of  a Christian  civilization  in  this 
country  and  in  Great  Britain.  It  is  felt,  therefore,  that  the 
native  Christians  in  Japan  are  wise  and  far-sighted  in  their 
desires  to  establish  a medical  institution  upon  a Christian 
basis.  The  influence  which  Christian  physicians  can  exert  on 
the  social  life  of  their  people  is  duly  estimated  by  them,  and 
their  readiness  to  assist  in  establishing  such  an  institution  is 
worthy  of  all  praise.  The  Prudential  Committee  of  the  Board 
fully  appreciate  this  sentiment  on  the  part  of  the  Japanese 
Christians,  and  cordially  endorse  any  effort  you  may  make  in 
behalf  of  such  an  institution.  While  they  cannot  appropriate 
mission  funds  for  the  object,  or  approve  of  their  friends  divert- 
ing funds  to  this  object  that  would  otherwise  go  into  the 
treasury  of  the  Board  for  Evangelistic  objects,*  they  would 
heartily  commend  the  enterprise  to  Christian  philanthropists 
of  all  classes,  and  to  friends  of  missions  also  who  may  feel 
special  interest  and  have  the  ability  to  aid  in  an  enterprise  of 
so  great  interest  and  prospective  value  to  Christian  civiliza- 
tion in  Japan.  The  committee  are  glad  to  allow  you  time  and 
opportunity  to  promote  this  object  in  this  country,  in  the  ex- 
pectation also  that  you  will  be  associated  with  the  college  in 
time  to  come,  should  the  enterprise  succeed.  The  committee 
feel,  therefore,  in  consenting  to  this  arrangement,  they  are 
really  contributing  largely  to  the  enterprise. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 

N.  G.  CLARK. 


'"'I  would  emphasize  the  importance  of  this  sentiment.  The  grand 
work  of  mission  boards  is  too  important,  and  at  present  too  inadequately 
sustained,  to  allow  of  the  diversion  of  a single  dollar  from  their  treas- 
uries, even  for  so  important  an  enterprise  as  this  proposed. 


J.  C.  B. 


14 


Presbyterian  Board  of  Foreign  Missions, 
New  York,  May  12th,  1884. 

J.  C.  Berry , M.  D.,  rgio  Green  Street , Philadelphia , 

Dear  Sir: — Your  letter  was  brought  before  the  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions  this  morning  and  was  favorably  considered. 
Whereupon  the  Board  adopted  the  following  minute  : “ The 
Board  having  listened  to  a letter  from  J.  C.  Berry,  M.  D.,  mis- 
sionary of  the  American  Board  in  Japan,  setting  forth  the 
great  need  of  an  undenominational  but  thoroughly  Christian 
Medical  College  for  the  training  of  native  Japanese  physicians 
in  their  own  country,  it  was  resolved  that  the  Board  regards 
with  favor  the  plan  proposed  in  the  hope  that  thereby  medical 
science  under  strictly  Christian  auspices  may  be  promoted, 
and  that  Protestant  communities  especially  may  be  provided 
with  Christian  physicians.” 

Sincerely  yours, 

F.  F.  ELLINWOOD. 


Board  of  Foreign  Missions  of  the  Reformed 
Church  of  America, 

34  Vesey  Street,  New  York,  May  15th,  1884. 
Dr.  John  C.  Berry , Philadelphia , 

Dear  Brother  : — It  gives  me  pleasure  to  state  that  your 
plan  for  the  establishment  of  an  Independent  Christian  Medi- 
cal School,  Hospital, and  Training  School  for  Nurses  in  Japan, 
was  listened  to  with  great  interest  by  our  Board  at  its  meeting 
yesterday,  as  presented  in  your  letter  of  the  10th  instant.  After 
some  inquiries  it  was  unanimously  “ Resolved,  That  this  Board 
give  to  the  proposed  plan  its  hearty  endorsement.” 

Wishing  you  complete  success  in  your  effort  to  secure  the 
establishment  of  such  an  institution,  I am, 

Yours,  very  sincerely, 

HENRY  N.  COBB, 

Cor.  See. 


( From  Bishop  J.  IV  Wiley,  D.  D.,  in  charge  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  Missions  in  Japan  and  China) 

John  C.  Berry,  M I)., 

Dear  Sir: — I have  heard  with  very  great  interest  your 
purpose  and  plan  for  the  inauguration  of  an  undenominational 


i5 


but  entirely  Christian  Medical  College,  Hospital,  and  Training 
School  for  Nurses  in  Japan.  I have  long  been  an  interested 
student  of  affairs  in  Japan,  and  for  several  years  have  had 
official  relation  to  our  mission  work  in  that  empire,  and  am 
prepared  at  once  heartily  to  endorse  your  enterprise  and  to 
commend  it  to  the  very  favorable  consideration  of  Christian 
people,  and  especially  to  the  interest  of  Christian  physicians. 
Having  been  myself  a student  of  medicine,  and  for  several 
years  a medical  missionary  to  our  mission  in  Foochow,  China, 
I feel  the  better  prepared  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  very 
great  importance  of  the  fact  that  medical  science  at  its  very 
introduction  to  Japan  should  be  permeated  by  Christian  prin- 
ciples. It  is  a matter  of  great  pleasure  to  me  to  know  that 
Christian  Japanese  are  themselves  so  early  appreciating  the 
importance  of  this  fact,  and  are  so  desirous  of  sending  their 
sons  to  an  institution  where  medical  science  may  be  taught 
unincumbered  by  skeptical  and  materialistic  principles. 

Hoping  you  may  have  entire  success  in  accomplishing  your 
enterprise, 

I am,  truly  yours, 

J.  W.  WILEY, 

Bishop  of  the  M.  E.  Church  in  charge  of 
Missions  in  Japan  and  China. 

Philadelphia,  May  22d,  1884. 


( From  J.  C.  Hepburn,  M.  D.,  LL.  D.,  Presbyterian  Mission. ) 

Yokohama,  June  13th,  1883. 

Dear  Dr.  Berry  : — I have  received  your  letter  enclosing  a 
“statement  of  the  reasons  favoring  the  establishment  of  a 
Christian  Medical  School  in  Japan.” 

I have  read  this  paper  with  great  interest,  and  I must  cor- 
dially agree  with  you  in  the  great  need  there  is  for  a Christian 
school  of  this  kind  in  this  country,  and  sincerely  hope  that 
you  may  be  able  to  carry  out  the  plan  to  a satisfactory  con- 
summation. 

* Saikiyo  appears  to  me  to  be,  on  many  accounts,  the  best 
place  for  such  a school,  and  you  are  fortunate  in  having  a 


[*The  modern  name  of  Kiyoto. — Author.] 


i6 


company  of  native  gentlemen  already  organized  who  have 
such  a measure  at  heart  and  who  will  recommend  it  to  their 
countrymen. 

I have  no  doubt  of  its  success  under  a competent  medical 
faculty. 

I am,  my  dear  sir, 

Sincerely  yours, 

J.  C.  HEPBURN. 


[From  Reverend  James  H.  Ballagh,  Reformed  [Dutch)  Church 

Mission .) 

Yokohoma,  June  14th,  1883. 

J.  C.  Berry , M.  D., 

Very  Dear  Brother: — I am  in  receipt  of  your  letter  of 
the  19th  ult.,  enclosing  reasons  for  the  establishment  of  a 
medical  department  and  a school  for  training  nurses  in  con- 
nection with  the  Do  Shi  Sha  school  at  Kioto.  That  there  is 
great  need  for  a school  for  medical  training  under  Christian 
auspices  is  very  apparent  from  the  reasons  assigned  by  your 
circular  and  which  are  patent  to  all  who  reside  in  Japan. 
Particularly  desirable  and  favorable  I conceive  it  to  be  that 
this  medical  school  is  to  be  situated  in  Kioto,  where  it  will 
not  come  so  immediately  into  competition  with  the  Gov’t 
Medical  College  in  Tokio,  and  where  a large  field  is  to  be 
provided  for.  Nevertheless  I believe  the  success  of  a med- 
ical school  at  Kioto  will  lead  to  the  establishment  of  another 
where  it  is  also  very  much  needed,  at  Tokio.  As  to  the  need 
of  trained  nurses  no  individual  testimony  is  necessary  after 
the  united  testimony  of  the  late  Osaka  Conference. 

With  sentiments  of  the  greatest  regard, 

I am  yours  truly, 

JAS.  H.  BALLAGH. 


[From  Dr.  D.  McDonald,  Canadian  Wesleyan  Union) 

5 Tsukiji  Tokiyo,  June  1 8th,  1884. 

Dear  Dr.  Berry  : — I am  at  one  with  you  in  the  “ reasons 
favoring  the  establishment  of  a Christian  Medical  School,” 
and  a “ Training  School  for  Nurses.” 


1 7 


The  movement  is  timely.  An  institution  of  that  kind  would 
be  sure  of  success.  It  would  attract  students  in  large  num- 
bers, and  would  have  a wide  sphere  of  usefulness. 

I believe  that  there  are  many  young  men  in  Japan  who 
would  be  very  glad  to  become  acquainted  with  medical 
science  through  the  medium  of  English  language. 

There  is  no  doubt  that  a Christian  Medical  School  would 
be  a powerful  aid  in  the  moral  elevation  and  evangelization  of 
this  empire.  The  institution  should  be  first  class.  Its  gradu- 
ates should  be  as  well  trained  and  furnished  as  the  graduates 
of  the  Government  School.  With  anything  less  than  this  the 
object  would  not  be  attained.  Your  connection,  however, 
with  the  institution  in  its  inception  is  a guarantee  that,  if 
founded,  it  will  be  thorough  and  first  class. 

When  I read  your  letter  and  “ reasons,”  I said  within  my- 
self : “ This  is  a wise  discernment  of  the  signs  of  the  times  ; a 
movement  that  is  full  of  potency  and  promise.”  I beg,  there- 
fore, to  send  my  best  wishes  to  you  and  the  Doshisha  for  the 
complete  accomplishment  of  your  plan.  With  best  regards 

Sincerely  yours, 

d.  McDonald. 


( From  Rev.  Henry  Stout,  Reformed  Church  of  America.) 

Nagasaki,  June  9th,  1883. 

J.  C.  Berry,  M.  I)., 

Dear  Brother: — I have  read  your  letter  and  the  “ reasons 
favoring  the  establishment  of  a Christian  Medical  School,"  and 
a “Training  School  for  Nurses,”  with  much  pleasure.  It 
seems  to  me  that  the  “reasons"  you  have  given,  showing  the 
desirability  of  establishing  such  institutions,  are  so  well  pre- 
sented that  nothing  need  be  added.  However,  to  those  of  us 
who  reside  in  Nagasaki,  surrounded  by  Romanism  and  seeing 
the  effect  which  that  system  has  so  long  had  upon  the  minds 
of  the  people  at  large,  another  point  naturally  suggests  itself, 
viz. , the  influence  which  such  practical  philanthropic  institu- 
tions would  have  in  illustrating  what  the  outcome  of  true 
Christianity  is,  in  contrast  with  mere  ecclesiasticism.  I have 
for  a long  time  felt  that  a medical  mission  in  Nagasaki  would 
be  a potent  influence  in  breaking  up  the  prejudice  that  exists 
against  Chrstianity.  And  though  it  cannot  be  expected  that 
the  schools  proposed  shall  be  established  here,  we  may  look 
forward  to  the  time  when  their  influence  shall  extend  in  this  di- 


i8 


rection,  and  some  of  the  graduates  locate  here  as  practitioners. 
I cannot,  therefore,  fail  to  take  the  greatest  interest  in  the  pro- 
posals made,  and  I most  sincerely  hope  that  those  who  have 
undertaken  the  establishment  of  these  institutions,  will  soon 
find  their  hopes  most  fully  realized. 

With  kind  regards,  I am,  in  Christ  and  his  work, 

Your  brother, 

HENRY  STOUT. 


{From  Rev.  Nathan  Brmvn,  D.  I).,  American  Baptist  Mission .) 

Yokohama,  July  13th,  1883. 

My  Dear  Dr.  Berry  : — My  sympathies  are  entirely  with  you 
in  the  plans  you  are  forming  for  what  I trust  may  be  a noble 
institution,  one  greatly  needed  and  full  of  promise.  Something 
may,  no  doubt,  be  done  by  lectures  for  the  more  highly  edu- 
cated classes,  such  as  we  had  last  year  and  are  to  have  again 
this  year  at  Tokio,  but  the  greater  hope  is  in  striking  at  the 
root  by  giving  a Christian  education  from  the  very  beginning. 

With  kindest  regards  to  you  and  yours, 

Ever  sincerely, 

NATHAN  BROWN. 


( From  Rev.  Charles  F.  Warren , Senior  Missionary  of  the  Japan 
Mission  of  the  Church  Missionary  Society , England.) 

Osaka,  June  9th,  1883. 

Dear  Dr.  Berry: — I am  in  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the 
17th  ult.,  enclosing  a copy  of  your  reasons  in  favor  of  the  es- 
tablishment of  a Christian  Medical  School  at  Kiyoto,  in  con- 
nection with  the  Doshisha. 

The  project  is  one  that  must  commend  itself  to  every  Christ- 
ian philanthropist,  and,  if  carried  out,  cannot  but  exert  a wide- 
spread influence  for  good  in  every  way.  Christian  medical 
men  are  a power  anywhere,  and  they  will  be  especially  so  in 
Japan,  where  the  medical  profession  is  so  universally  respected. 
The  prevalence  of  materialism  amongst  the  educated  classes 
generally,  and  especially  amongst  the  physicians  educated  in 
the  government  schools,  demands  that  an  effort  should  be 
made  to  provide  a band  of  thoroughly  competent  Christian 
physicians,  whose  sympathies  and  influence  would  be  on  the 
side  of  Christian  faith  and  evangelistic  effort. 


*9 


The  establishment  of  a school  for  the  training  of  Christian 
nurses  is  much  to  be  desired,  and  would  supply  a want  which 
is  deeply  felt. 

Whilst  I can  say  nothing  about  details,  I most  heartily  en- 
dorse the  general  scheme  proposed,  and  trust  that  your  appeal 
to  the  Christian  public  of  Great  Britain  and  America,  may  be 
met  by  such  a response  as  will  enable  you  to  inaugurate  the 
work  at  no  distant  day.  Should  this  be  so,  I feel  persuaded 
that  ten  or  twenty  years  hence  the  widespread  influence  of  the 
proposed  institution  will  be  one  of  the  most  potent  factors  in 
the  advancement  of  both  true  science  and  Christian  work. 
Wishing  you  every  success  in  this  and  in  all  your  works,  be- 
lieve me, 

Faithfully  yours,  in  the  bonds  of  Christ, 

CHAS.  F.  WARREN. 

C.  M.  S. 

J.  C.  Berry,  Esq.,  M.  D.,  Okayama. 


( From  Dr.  Laning,  American  Episcopal  Church  Mission) 

Osaka,  June  6,  1883. 

My  Dear  Doctor: — I am  in  receipt  of  your  favor  of  the 
19th  ult.  The  good  which  might  be  accomplished  in  Japan 
by  a Christian  Medical  School  and  Training  School  for  Nurses 
is  so  evident  that  one  would  suppose  their  establishment  would 
be  encouraged  by  all  who  have  at  heart  the  good  of  the  Jap- 
anese people.  A medical  school  of  an  inferior  grade  I can 
readily  see  might  be  objected  to  by  some  as  undesirable,  but 
in  the  present  instance  I suppose  the  objection  could  not  ob- 
tain, inasmuch  as  I understand  it  to  be  the  intention  to  make 
the  school  one  which  will  afford  opportunities  for  the  study  of 
the  medical  sciences  equal,  at  least,  to  the  advantages  afforded 
by  the  best  of  the  native  medical  schools,  so  that  the  time  of  the 
student  can  be  spent  to  the  best  possible  advantage  so  far  as 
medical  scientific  pursuit  is  concerned ; and  in  addition  to 
this,  moral  science,  which  is  the  crying  need  of  Japan,  would 
also  be  acquired,  the  good  effect  of  which  to  all  classes  would 
be  inestimable.  But  I refrain  from  writing  more  because -the 
reasons,  as  expressed  in  your  paper,  I should  think  ought  to 
be  sufficiently  convincing  of  the  desirability  of  both  institutions. 

Believe  me  to  be  as  ever, 

Yours,  very  truly, 

H.  LANING. 

Dr.  J.  C.  Berry,  Okayama,  Japan. 


Tokio,  Japan,  June  26th,  1883. 


Doctor  John  C.  JJeny, 

Dear  Sir  and  Brother. — It  rejoices  me  greatly  to  learn, 
as  I do  through  your  letter  now  before  me,  that  the  company 
of  Japanese  Christians  in  Kioto,  known  as  the  Doshisha,  with 
Rev.  Joseph  Neesima  at  its  head,  organized  for  the  promotion 
of  educational  work,  propose  to  establish  a Christian  Medical 
School  and  a Training  School  for  Nurses,  the  schools  to  be  na- 
tional and  catholic  in  character.  As  to  the  need  of  such  in- 
stitutions in  Japan,  there  is  no  room  for  doubt.  I therefore 
most  heartily  recommend  the  proposed  work  to  the  favorable 
consideration  of  all  Christian  philanthropists. 

Yours,  most  heartily, 

J.  HARTZLER, 

Superintendent  of  the  Japan  Mission  of  the 
Evangelical  Association  of  North  America. 


American  Bible  Society  Agency  for  Japan. 

Bible  House,  No.  42  A. 

Yokohama,  June  8th,  1883. 

Dear  Dr.  Berry  : — The  proposition  to  establish  a medical 
college  under  Christian  auspices  meets  with  my  most  hearty 
approval.  It  is  a common  experience  of  all  who  labor  for  the 
spiritual  elevation  of  this  people  that  we  are  met  by  ignorance 
and  prejudice  on  every  hand.  Even  those  who  have  received 
instruction  from  foreign  teachers  are  too  often  utterly  igno- 
rant of  the  truths  of  Christianity  and  even  opposed  to  its  dis- 
semination. 

There  is,  therefore,  great  need  of  such  an  institution  as  is 
proposed,  both  for  the  bodily  and  the  spiritual  wants  of  this 
people.  The  lack  of  knowledge  of  even  the  most  simple  rules 
of  health  is  everywhere  apparent,  and  anything  that  will 
supply  this  want  will  be  an  unspeakable  boon  to  Japan. 

I need  only  say  that  the  management  proposed  gives  every 
needful  assurance  of  its  usefulness  and  success. 

Sincerely  yours, 

H.  LOOMIS. 


